MAY
Top for Comedy
If any of you are Instagram user, you may have happened on the utterly hilarious Jarlath Regan. The Irish comedian is famed for his skits, often parodying his mum’s passive aggressive conversations. Following a meteoric rise, he’s sold-out theatres in Ireland, the USA and the UK. Jarlath is now returning with a brand-new standup show following his sold out ‘Yer Man’ tour last year. Catch Jarlath at The Pavilion Theatre in June.
Another of my favourite comedians Stuart McPherson is back, this time with his partner Tamsyn Kelly at The Stand this May. This show is a Work in Progress (WIP) ahead of their Fringe show in August. The award-winning comedians are regulars on the comedy circuit, with Stuart about to start his first UK-wide tour. Both appeared at the fabulous Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March to rave reviews and return to their Glasgow audience in this sure-to-be hilarious WIP.
Jarlath Regan
June 6th
The Pavilion Theatre
w:trafalgartickets.com/pavilion-theatre-glasgow
Stuart McPherson & Tamsyn Kelly:WIP
May 31st
The Stand Comedy Club
w:thestand.co.uk
Top for Tribute Acts
When I’m scrolling through the screeds of events on what to include in Top Things, I always bypass tribute acts. But that’s about to change. Such is the demand for these bands that they honestly take up about a third of what’s on. Time to choose some favourites!
And what a one to start with. The Smiths Ltd are appearing at Websters Theatre in May. The band were formed in Manchester, just like their namesake. And with an uncanny ‘Morrisey’ at the helm, the iconic tunes just keep coming and coming. Get ready to throw those gladioli.
And would it be a guide to tribute acts without including The King? Elvis not Charles! With many an Elvis impersonator, one of the best must be Johnny Lee Memphis. Johnny is an award-winning Elvis, having won the Elvis World Cup and many other titles. Who knew? Absolute Elvis is two hours of pure joy, taking us on a journey through Elvis’s concert years of 1969 until his death in 1977. An ‘absolute’ must see.
The Smiths Ltd
7th May
Websters Theatre
w:webstersglasgow.com/whats-on/event/the-smiths-ltd/
Absolute Elvis
10th May
SEC Armadillo
w:sec.co.uk/events/detail/absolute-elvis-25
Top for Classical Series
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) have an incredible series of concerts upcoming at The City Halls in Candleriggs this May. There’s the stunning Tchaikovsky pieces (Fifth Symphony and Piano Concerto number one). And there’s a two-day festival called Tectonics Glasgow 2025. Over the weekend the BBC SSO partner with some incredible artists to bring you immersive experiences. With art installations, new and innovative approaches to sound and music, plus classical instruments creating transformative melodies, this is a music festival with an edge.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra sees the outrageously talented Nicola Benedetti joining them this May for their end of season concerts. Brahms violin concerto is gloriously dramatic and sees a ‘dialogue’ between the violin and the rest of the orchestra. And to close off the night, Mendelssohn’s love of our nation was never more obvious than in his Hebridean Overture and in this, his Scottish Symphony.
We really are incredibly fortunate to have such world-class orchestras based in our city.
Tectonics Glasgow 25
May 25
City Halls
Candleriggs
w:tectonicsfestival.com/about/
Benedetti Plays Brahms
May 25
City Halls
Candleriggs
w:glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/sco-202425-benedetti-plays-brahms
Top for Markets
There is nothing quite like a wander round a fayre, a market, of a weekend morning. We have a few to choose from in the coming months. Firstly, the annual Orchid Fayre returns to the Kibble Palace at the Botanics. The popularity of the event is obvious, given its place in the yearly calendar of the gardens. With plenty of onsite advice from those on the education stands, displays of stunning varieties, there is also your chance to buy these beautiful blooms.
And Southsiders Park Lane Market return to SWG3 for their summer residency. Setting up in the Galvanizers Yard, the boutique traders and makers have street food stalls, vintage clothes stalls as well as houseplants, beauty products and artwork. With bars on site, outdoor spaces to take in the atmosphere, it’s a lovely family day out – you can even bring the dog!
Scottish Orchid Fair
10th and 11th May
Kibble Palace
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
w:scottishorchid.org/orchid-fair/
Park Lane Market
11th May
SWG3
w:swg3.tv/events/2025/may/park-lane-markets-at-swg3/
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